Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Kosher Dog | Jlife

This is Darla. She is a rescue dog.

This is Darla. She is a rescue dog.

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

The Healthy Mind Platter | Jlife

As parents, how much time have we spent obsessing over sunscreen re-application, paid double for the organic grapes, or attempted veggie-concealing recipes? (I’m right there with you!)

"And, while each one of these is important, even we sunscreen-lathering, organic fruit-eating, veggie-hiding moms agree that there is much more that goes into creating healthy children."

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Mensching Around | Jlife

Menorah trees, gingerbread houses and sweaters are the latest additions to the ancient tradition. These new customs not only prove to be another way to include non-Jewish friends and family in the Festival of Lights but are also a way to reinforce Jewish identity during this time of year.

Unlike its Christmas counterpart, children are meant to play with Mensch on a Bench.

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Kosher Dog | Jlife

Teddy Bassman was “knighted and crowned” the summer of 2013 when his family hosted three teenagers from Great Britain for the JCC Maccabi Games and Artsfest.

Teddy is a Coton De Tulear and in the 17th century his ancestors, from Madagascar, were called upon to be companions for royalty. We are so happy that “Sir Tedward” has finally gotten back to his roots and calling.

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Teaching Gratefulness | Jlife

“Who is rich? Those who rejoice in their own portion” – Pirke Avot 4:1.

Teaching gratefulness is not a new concept. References to gratefulness abound in Pirke Avot.

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Building Family Connection | Jlife

Creating a peaceful, supportive and loving home can be a challenge. We routinely come home after long days only to tackle endless “to do’s” that includes homework, laundry, cooking and schlepping to activities.

It’s no wonder that families find it hard to connect. As difficult as it sounds to add one more item to the list, what if you were told that coming together for a “family meeting” (sans electronics) could create deep, emotional connections, build confidence in your teen, allow your child’s voice to be heard and solve pressing problems? What if it would boost your child’s grades or spare them from depression?

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Kosher Dog | Jlife

This is Stanley Silverman, he is our 3-year-old rescue lab.

This is a picture of him having his Bark Mitzvah at a park in Orange County.

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

My Birthday | Jlife

Being with people we love will trump fanfare everytime.

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Praise-worthy Praise | Jlife

“You are so smart!” my friend said to her 11-year old the other day. I didn’t blink an eye. We’ve all said it. It was the boy’s response that surprised me. With a look that screamed “duh!” he told her, “That’s like me saying ‘wow, congratulations, you’re tall.’”

An evaluation of praise and feedback and its effect on a child.

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Rachel Goes Rogue: My Relationship with my Grandmother | Jlife

I was raised very close to both sets of grandparents, but I was closest, easily, to my mother’s mother, Beatrice Dankner.

It became a safe haven to complain about how my parents don’t get me (they became so much smarter when I graduated college). Grandma even started lending me her car for my random guitar, bass, and violin lessons. She also taught me how to drive. She was the only one in the family that did not scream when I made a mistake. She joked “I have lived a full life, if it’s my time, it’s my time” as she referred to my driving skills.

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Keeping Promises | Jlife

When we promise to behave in a certain way, to keep a confidence, to support or assist someone with a project, or to care for them as part of a family or community, the expectation is that the promise will be kept. We learn to trust one another by keeping promises, by holding true to our relationships and by standing alongside one another in good and bad times.

The importance of keeping promises.

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

When Good Enough Is Perfect | Jlife

I know a woman who shows her 30-year-old wedding album to every visitor who crosses the threshold. She loves to describe finding that perfect gown and Jackie-Kennedy veiled pillbox hat...

Finding Joy in Imperfection

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Teshuva | Jlife

As we grow through life, we continue to learn from our experiences, our interactions with others, our teachers and our families.

Learning from our mistakes

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Matchmaker, Matchmaker | Jlife

An old Jewish tradition becomes new.

This is something that sets me apart—I don’t think it’s a good idea. One part is intuition and the second part is giving people what they want in a partner.” With every new client, she gets to know them on a personal level; their needs, wants, and desires for their future mate. Where do I sign up?

Family & Parenting | Family & Relationships

Monkey See, Monkey Do | Jlife

Providing role models for our children.